A cokpobation



Nov. 2 1926. 1,605,672

" M. B. LLOYD I REED WEAVING MACHINE Filed May 4, 1922 8 Sheets-Sheet l Nov. 2 1926.

1,605,672 M. B. LLOYD REED WEAVI NG MACHINE Filed May 4, 1922 8 Sheets-Sheet 2 JZQKYM 15? 70M Nov. 2 1926.

M. B. LLOYD REED WEAVING MACHINE Filed May 4, 1922 8 Sheets-Sheet 3 Nov. 2 1926.

M. B. LLOYD REED WEAVING MACHINE Filed May 4. 1922 s Sheets-Sheet 7 NW; 2 W26.

8 Sheets-Sheet 5' M. B. LLOYD REED WEAVING MACHINE Flled May 4, 1922 Nov. 2 wze. 1,605,672

M. B. LLOYD REED WEAVING MACHINE Filed May 4, 1922 8 Sheets-Sheet 6 Nov. 2 1926. 1,605,672

M. LLOYD REED wEAviNe MACHINE Filed May 4., 1922 8 Sheets-Sheet '7 sib- Nov. 2 1926.

M. B. LLOYD REED WEAVING MACHINE Filed May 4, 1922 8 Sheets-Sheet a Patented Nov. 2, i926.

entree stares MARSHALL B. LLOYD, OF MENOMINEE, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR TO HEYWfiOD J/AKE- FIELD COMPANY, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, A CGTfil-DBATION 0F MASSACHU- s arms.

REED-LEAVING MACHIEE.

Application filed May 4, 1922.

My invention relates generally to improvements in machines for weaving fabric of which reed fabric is characteristic, and which is composed of a plurality of spaced members called stakes, upon which long strands called fillers are woven, over some of the stakes and under others.

This application discloses but does not claim mechanism which is disclosed and claimed in my prior Patent No. 1, l65,4c l5 issued August 21, 1923, entitled Reed weaving machine.

In manufacturing articles having a reed fabric it has been the universal practice prior to recent inventions of mine, among which may be noted is my prior Patent No. 1,t59,?81, issued June 26, 1943, to weave the fabric free hand with the stakes secured in the article frame aiid for the reed worker to shape the article in the process of weaving to the desired form, and while it may be possible that heretofore suggestions have been made toward the mechanical production of reed fabric, to the best of my extensive knowledge on the subject, no operable machine has been produced or was in operation prior to my above mentioned invention, but on the contrary, reedwork throughout all of the great reed manufacturing plants was and is woven by hand in the same manner in which it has been woven for centuries.

It is an object of the present invention to provide means wherewith reed fabric can be successfully produced mechanically. Another object of the invention is to produce a reed weaving machine which shall be simple in construction; which shall require but little space; which shall produce in a given period many times the amount of fabric now producible by hand; which shall produce a fabric of greater uniformity and increased strength; which shall be operable by unskilled workers; which shall. produce a given fabric with less material; which may be quickly made ready for the weaving operation, in which the, woven fabric can be quickly and easily removed from the machine, and in which the various fabrics shall be substantially identical.

C t-her objects of my invention are to provide a weaving machine which can be constructed at a low expense and which can be maintained in working order with a minimum of attention and cost.

Serial No. 558.383.

invention to the distance filler strand Again it is an object of my provide a machine wherewith between respective courses of may be varied.

Another object of myinventionis to pro vide a machine wherewith the so-called openwork can be produced, i. e. a fabric composed in part of filler strands arranged in side by side or proximate relation and in part of a relativelywide space devoid of or having the filler strands in lesser'number per unit of distance.

My invention consists generally in the form, construction, arrangement, and co-operation of the parts whereby the above named objects, together with others will appear hereinafter are attainable, and my invention will be more readily understood by reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate that form of my invention which I consider the best at the present time.

In said drawings:

Fig.1, is a general view in elevation of the machine showing a portion of the fabric completed (parts of machine being broken away to enable main members to be shown on larger scale). I

Fig. 2, is'a view, substantially on the line 222 of Fig. 1, the strand inserting device being broken away at several places to avoid confusion.

Fig. 3, is an enlarged plan view, substantially on theline 33 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a vertical section substantially on the line 14. of Fig. 3.

Fig. 5. is an enlarged detail sectional view substantially on the line 55 of Fig. l.

Fig. 6, is a detailed view in elevation of the mechanism contiguous the filler strand inserting point, illustrating the means for ejecting certain of the stakes outwardly and others inwardly, and for packing the filler strand.

broken. away for illustrative purposes.

Fig. 9, is an enlarged view substantially on line 99 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 10, is an enlarged view substantially on line 1010 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 11, is a general view in elevation of a modified form of my invention (parts being broken away for illustrative purposes).

Fig. 12, is an enlarged view substantially on the line 12-12 of Fig. 11 (feed screw not shown).

Fig. 13, is a view substantially on the line 13-13 of Fig. 12 (with parts of feed screw shown).

Fig. 14, is a plan view of one part or segment of the split nut used in that form of my invention shown in Fig. 11; and

Fig. 15, is a detail view showing stake holding means of that form of my invention shown in Fig. 11.

Fig. 16, is a detail face view adjacent the filler strand inserting point of that form of my invention shown in Fig. 11.

Fig. 17 is a :fragmentary face view illustrating a modified form of my invention in which means are provided for securing projecting stake ends of desired length; and

Fig. 18, is a detail sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken substantially along the line 1717 of Fig. 11.

That embodiment in my invention shown in the drawings is characterized by or comprises generally the following parts: Frame; stake holding and positioning means; stake manipulating and controlling means; filler strand inserting means; filler strand packing mechanism.

As a matter of convenience and in order to simplify and facilitate a description and understanding of the machine, I shall de scribe the parts generally in the order above outlined.

T he frame.

tions 6 and 7. In these bearing portions 6 and 7 I mount a vertical shaft 8, for rotation, being properly supported against falling by means of the collars 9 and 10. R0- tary motion is imparted to the vertical shaft 8 by means of the beveled gear 11 secured to one end thereof, which in turn meshes with the pinion 12 on the driven shaft 13.

The shaft 13 is carried in suitable bearings 14 and 15 and may be driven at desired speed by any suitable means. In this manner it is obvious that the vertical shaft 8 may be driven or rotated at any desired speed and against any forces tending to hinder its rotation. From this single vertical shaft, I secure all of the motions necessary, or rather impart motion to all the mechanism necessary to manipulate the stakes; insert the filler strand; pack the filler strand into proper proximate relation with the pre-formed fabric; and successively and progressively move the finished woven fabric away from the point of formation.

Stake holding and positioning means.

The stake holding and positioning means in this instance, is characterized by a circular band or ring 20, having a plurality of spaced holes 21, of a size to accommodate the stakes 22 of the fabric freely therein, and in suitably spaced relation. The bottom of the ring 20 is imperforate andthus provides a rest or support for the lower ends of the stakes. The function of this ring is to support the stakes and hold them in proper spaced relation until a sufficient number of convolutions of filler strand have been inserted to form a spacing belt. The width or height of the circular band or ring 20 determines the length of stake projecting from the finished woven fabric. Longer lengths of stakes may be had by adjusting the stop 213 away from the ring 20 by the means such as are indicated in the modified structure shown in Fig. 17. The filler strand is placed over and under the stakes and by the packing mechanism moved or packed into intimate relation to the top or upper portion of the band or ring 20; thus the band or spacer 20 serves not only to space and hold the stakes in proper spaced relation, but also serves as a stop against which the filler strand is packed in the first stage of'producing the fabric. Thereafter, as the successive layers or convolutions of filler strands are inserted, the successive filler strands are packed against the pre-formed fabric, as will be better understood when a detailed description of the packing means is given. The packing means in the normal operation of packing the filler strands serves to depress the fabric as it is completed, moving it away from the production point automatically.

In order that the stakes may be firmly held in the ring 20, even though the holes 21 be relatively large, I prefer to provide an endless closely formed coil spring 23, the action of which is best shown in Figs. 4., 5, and 6. In this manner, while the holes 21 are relatively large to permit free insertion of the stakes, the spring 23 acts to clamp them in place, thereby serving to prevent accidental displacen'ient.

In Fig. 5 several of the stakes are shown in place at the right hand part of the view being accommodated by moving the spring away from the inner wall 24 of the ring as indicated, at 25. Vhen no stakes are in position the spring hugs the inner wall of the ring as shown at the left hand portion of 5. The spring is anchored against loss or dislodgment by means of a plurality of spaced vertical pins 26.

The ring 20, may be removed from the stakes after a number of layers of filler strands have been formed, if desired, inasmuch as they stakes are then held by the formed fabric in proper spaced relation and in the instant case, in th form of a true circle, cylinder or tube, inasmuch as the mechanism here disclosed is formed to produce a tubular fabric of circular form. Or if desired the band or ring 20 may be left in place on the stakes until the faric is completed and then removed; replaced in starting position and new stakes 22 inserted in the spaced holes 21, ready for the production of another fabric.

The ring 20 is supported by means of a plurality of levers 27 pivotally mountedat 28 upon studs 29 secured in and depending from the plate or wheel d6. When the levers 27 are in the position indicated in Figs. 3 and 4, the edge portion 31, form a support for thering. When the levers are swung the supporting ledge 31, is removed and the ring 20 may be removed or may move with the fabric. The ring 20 is properly spaced c cimiferentially by lugs 20' thereon which enter the space between adjacent studs or pins 41.

The completed fabric can be removed from the machine by simply severing the filler strands leading back to the reel and then pulling the fabric downwardly away from the point of formation and until. it is free of the limiting means there positioned.

Stake manipulating and c0ntrolli'ng means.

The stake manipulating and controlling means is characterized in this instance by a plate 40, which is of a circular form and of a diameter substantially equal to that of the diameter of the tubular fabric desired. Secured in the plate 40 and depending therefrom adjacent the periphery are a plurality of pins or studs 41, which serve a double function, to-wit; that of a gear acting to impart rotation to certain of the stake manipulating means and to the filler strand packing means, and second, asa stop against which the filler stand can be drawn or pulled in the formation of the woven fab ic, thus serving as a template or fabric limiting de vice.

' The plate l0 is mounted on the vertical shaft 8, and is keyed to the shaft so that it rotates therewith. In the edge of plate 40 I form a curved groove, in which a portion of a helical spring 43 is accommodated. The spring 43 is of such size with relation to the plate 40 as to tend to compress itself on the plate and conform to the groove L2,

and is formed with two complete convolutions for every stake of the fabric. The spring is so positioned with respect to the stakes that the stake can be moved into the contiguous V spaces formed by opposite portions of the spring, and is best shown in the Figs. 3 and l. The stakes may move into the space a certain distance but cannot get out of the spring entirely, and the spring serves to carry the stakes in pro-per spaced relation during the interval in which the stakes are separated from the plate 40 for the insertion of the filler strands. The spring is maintained against undesired shifting or circun'iferential creeping around the plate L0 by means of studs or pins d5 spaced circumferentially equi-distant between the stakes, and a portion 1-5 of each pin is beveled so that in the event of the spring striking the pin as it returns to position in the groove of the plate 40 after passing around the filler strand inserting means it will be shifted back into position. It is not thought necessary to describe in further detail the action of the spring at this point and the function of the beveled studs or pins, inasmuch as that is shown and described in great detail in my .Patent No. 1,459,781, heretofore mentioned. The plate 40 is provided with vertical grooves 4-.7 for the accommodation of the stakes, these grooves permitting stakes to lie slightly below or flush withthe outermost portion -18 of the plate. Thus, the upper or free ends of the stakes are held in proper spaced relation and prevented from' getting out of their proper grooves. In the present case a fabric is desired in which the filler strand passes over one stake and under the next adjacent stake and to this end I provide means which moves every other stake out of its normal plane, tog-ether with means for holding such projected or ejected stakes out for a period sufiicient, conveniently to insert the tiller strand, at which time the stakes are permitted to return to their normal positions in the grooves of the plate 40, and in fact, are actually positively returned to such positions. I also provide means whereby every other stake. to wit; the stakes which are not outwardly ejected are prevented from moving out of the grooves in which they normally lie or if they have for any reason moved. out of the groove slightly, are positively returned to such position so that they may freely pass the mechanism that inserts the filler strand in place.

The means here shown for ejecting the stakes outwardly comprises a wheel 50, having a plui .lity of projecting small teeth lil-Ie portions 51. This wheel 5 is rotatably mounted by means of a stud 52 carried upon bracket 53 which is stationary relative to the plate 40 of the machine, being secured to the main depending bracket 5. The plate 40 carries spaced studs or pins 54:, equal in number to the stakes of the fabric, and in this instance radially aligned therewith, and the wheel 50 carries a gear member 55 upon its under side with which the pins 54 engage. Thus as the plate 40 is driven in the direction of the arrow. the wheel 50 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow, and the teeth 51 thereof successively engage alternate stakes, moving them outwardly from the plate it). The wheel 50 is arranged. adjacent a somewhat diamond-shaped stake spreader 56, the teeth 51 of the wheel moving the stakes out a distance beyond the outerside of the point 57 of the spreader. Once the stake reaches this position it is caused to move still further away from the plate 40 by engaging the body portion of the spreader. In the center of the spreader 56, I arrange a relatively narrow and small bladelike member 60, through the center of which the filler strand 62 passes, emanating from the lower end thereof, as is best shown in Figs. 3 and 6.

I prefer to provide in addition to the stake spreader 56, another lower stake spreader 56 which is similar in construction to the spreader 56, except that its shorter end 56 is somewhat closer to the plane of the outer face of member 60. There is a tendency at times for some of the stakes to spring out of their grooves, and I have so far found it desirable to prevent any likelihood of such action occurring either at the point where the filler strand is inserted or adjacent the points of the stake spreaders and to this end I provide positive means for insuring the retention of the stake in its proper groove and if necessary to return it to such position should it have moved therefrom prior to the time the point of the spreader is reached. The means herein shown for accomplishing this purpose comprises a wheel having toothlike projections 71, which engage alternate stakes, that is, the stakes that are not ejected outwardly by the wheel 50 carried by the bracket- 53. This wheel 70 is carried upon stud shaft 72, mounted in a suitable bracket 7 33, secured to the frame of the machine, and is properly actuated by means of a gear member 7 4, secured upon the extended hub 7 4 and which engages the studs or pins 41, secured in and depending from the plate 40 of the machine, and which have heretofore been referred to as serving the combined function of a gear and of a template or fabric limiting means. The teeth 71 of the wheel 70, are cut away as indicated at 7 6 so as to avoid interference with the outwardly ejected stakes. In this manner the stakes are positively and accurately so disposed that they may pass freely upon the proper side of the stake spreaders 56 and 56 and permit the free insertion of the filler strand therebetween.

I might here state that in order to weave the fabric rapidly and yet keep the speed of the parts within reasonable limits, I find it desirable, though not necessary, to inserta plurality of filler strands at spaced intervals. In the instant case I have shown the tiller strands inserted at two diametrically opposite points and with this construction a given fabric can be completed in half the time that would be required were a single filler strand employed, or the fabric may be produced in the same time with a machine Filler strand packing mechanism.

It is important that the filler stand be properly and uniformly packed it the resultant fabric is to be of a character suitable for use upon high class articles. This packing mechanism must not only pack the filler strand, but must also be so positioned and operate in such a manner as not to interfere with the insertion of the filler strand and to move the completed fabric progressively away from the weaving point. I have devised a very simple mechanism which accomplishes successfully these necessary and desirable functions. This means comprises a wheel set at an angle to the vertical axis of the machine and mounted for rotation on a stud shaft 91 carried in a suitable bracket 92 secured to the frame of the machine. The wheel 90 is provided with a plurality of teeth 96 which mesh with the depending pins or studs 41 carried by the plate 40 which cause the rotation of the wheel, and as the Wheel rotates, being at an angle, they move from an elevated point when first engaging the pins 41 to a relatively lower position when leaving the pins, i. e. they describe a downward course. Thus as the filler strand is brought from the point of insertion under the wheel, as shown, the successive incoming portions of the filler strand are progressively moved from their inclined position relative to the pro-formed fabric to a position parallel to and closely contiguous the previously inserted filler strands. Of course, in the starting of the machine the filler strand is packed by means of the wheel 90 into parallel relation and intimate association with the top of the spacing ring or holder 20.

The packer wheel, 90, is adjustable, as is clearly shown in the drawings, in every direction, to wit: rotatably, in vertical and horizontal planes and vertically. The vertical adjustment and the rotary adjustment in a horizontal plane is had by virtue of the bracket 92 which has a cylindrical stud portion clamped in the bracket 92". The bracket 92 in turn carries a cylindrical stud upon which the bracket 92 is mounted which stud is clamped in place, and which may be rotated to swing the bracket 92 in a vertical plane. This enables placement in any posi tion that may be'found most desirable for the particular work in hand.

Reedtensioning anal dispensing mechanism.

As before stated, it is very important that the tension of the filler strand be maintained constantly to just the right extent if the fabric is to be uniform in appearance and strength. Especially is this so where two or more strands are woven simultaneously. I have devised a novel mechanism whereby the filler strand tension can be maintained uniform throughout the entire extent of the fabric and irrespective of the amount of reed which may be upon the reel. Where a multiple feed is employed, such as shown in the instant case, not only is it desirable that the tension be uniformly maintained upon each filler strand but it is also desirable that the amount of material inserted at the two feed points during a given period of rotation, be practically the same or there will be a noticeable looseness in one of the filler strands as compared with the adjacent filler strand. The filler strands, which for purpose of identification in their passage through the tensioning device have been given the reference characters 1 and 2, are carried upon suitable reels 100 and 101 from which they pass th ough te'nsioning means, 102 and around iensioning mechanism 103, thereafter passing to the filler strand inserting means over suitable guide rollers, 104 and 105. The tension means 102 as is best shown in Figs. 1, 7, and 8, comprises two channel members 102* and 103 through which the filler strands from respective reels pass. The filler strands are frictionally restrained in their passage through the channelsby means of levers'lO l and 105 and the actuating springs 106 and 107. The filler strands then pass through eyes lOSand 109 to the tension means 103. The means 103 consists of a wheel having two beveled or angled faces 1&0 and 141 which are bounded by flanges 142, 148 and 144:. The wheel is mounted upon a stud shaft 1 5 suitably carried in a" the tension wheel and is therefore always properly tensioned. The faces 140 and 141 being of identical size and moving together, necessarily pay out accurately measured quantities of filler strand to each feed point.

- In order to adjust the tension upon the reed,

I provide a threaded bolt, 165, extending from stud 14:5 and thereon I mount a lever 166 having opposite arms or wing portions 166 and 166 Interposed between discs 166 and 166 and abutting the outer faces of the tension wheel, I place fibre discs 168 and 168. The pressure of these against the wheel can be changed by rotating lever 166, which in turn acts upon the flat spring 166.

he lever 166 can be rotated conveniently by the operator through the medium of cords or cables 166 and 166". By the means described the tension of the filler strand can be minutely altered to provide just that degree of tension which gives the best results for the particular filler strand employed and for the fabric desired.

General operation of the machine.

Having thus described in detail the various structural features and their co-operative relation, I shall briefly state the operation of producing a completely woven fabric thereon. To this end let us assume that the band 20 has been removed from the machine. The band 20 is first placed in position, incoinpassing the pins and being circumferentially positioned by lugs, 20. lVith the parts in this position, the various stakes are placed through the holes in the band 20, the ends of the stakes resting upon the floor or stop 213 of the ring. The filler strands may be then threaded over and under the stakes from the point of entrance to the belt or band 20 along the general curved line defined in the drawings. I also find that the machine can be started without threading the filler strand over or under these stakes by simply pulling from the reel a suflicient-length of filler strand because when the machine is started the filler strand is automatically laid into position and carried from the entrant position down to the band or belt. Continued rotation of the machine upon the vertical shaft 8, quickly lays in suiiicient filler strands to form a belt of fabric. he fabric being formed around the pins 41, and being placed tensionally thereon, is held on the pins with sufiicient force or friction to support itself and pre vent its falling and in fact to require the positively downward movement of the packing means to depress it as it is successively formed. 'In this manner the formed fabric is progressively moved downwardly and when the proper height of fabric is produced the machine is stopped, the incoming filler strands severed and the fabric removed. As before stated, the ring or band 20 may be removed either after several of the layers or convolutions of filler strands have been formed or it may ride with the fabric until the complete fabric is produced and then removed. Of course, when the machine has been started, the levers 27 are swung so that they no longer support the ring 20 and so that it may move with the fabric. At any rate it is ultimately removed from the completed fabric and repositioned as above described.

There are other ways in which the machine can be made ready for the weaving operation, all of which will readily suggest themselves from this detailed disclosure.

One further point should be noted and that is that a guard 130 is provided just preceding the filler strand inserting point whereby any stakes which may project outwardly to an undesired extent will be moved inwardly at that point (see Figs. 6 and 9). Substantially at the weaving points I prefer also to provide guards or limit members 131 (see Fig. 10).

Inasmuch as this complete disclosure will readily suggest to others modified structures whereby the substantial objects of my invention may be attained, I do not wish to be limited to the specific construction herein shown and described, except only as may be necessary by limitations in the hereunto appended claims. For example, while in the mechanism thus far described, the fabric is formed in a given plane and then moved dowmvardly, it may be woven in this or some other place and moved upwardly. Astructure will now be described for accomplishing this result.

Modified weaning meclmm'sm.

In Fig. 11 of the drawings I have shown a machine in which the fabric is moved upwardly after it is formed instead of downwardly as is the case first described. Also, it will be understood that in this instance the stakes will initially project downwardly from the weaving point whereas in the first case they initially extended upwardly from the weaving point. The parts whose function is the same as in the first form have been given similar reference characters even though the positions thereof may be different. An easy way to consider the matter is to think of the machine as merely turned upside down.

When the fabric is to be moved upward ly as formed, I prefer to provide other means in addition to the packing means for' this purpose. The means here shown comprises a stationary central upstanding threaded rod or screw 200, over which a sleeve 201 slides. The lower end of the sleeve carries a split nut comprising three segments 202 which are pivoted at 203, and which have screw faces 204 (see Fig. 14).

lVhen the machine is weaving the screw face of the segments coactg with the screw 200. The sleeve 201 is connected to the stake ring by truss rods 205 and 206, so that the stake ring is supported from the sleeve. The plate 40 in this instance is provided with a plurality of long upstanding rods 207, which pass through holes in the stake ring and which drive the stake ring in unison with the plate 40. Therefore, as the stake ring rotates like rotation 1's imparted to the sleeve 201 which in turn climbs the screw thus carrying the stake ring and fabric. In order that stake ring can be quickly returned to starting position after fabric is completed, I provide a cam, 208, having a plurality of cam grooves, 209, in which studs 210 of the split nut segments operate. It is obvious that rotation of the cam member in the direction of arrow (see Fig. 12) will move nut segments outwardly and disengage them from screw 200, thus permitting quick return to starting position. The pitch of screw threads on rod 200, it will be understood are such as to elevate the stake ring a distance substantially equal to the thickness of the filler strand during each revolution.

That form of my invention just described, preferably has screw or other means of moving the fabric as it is formed whereas in the first form I do not require such mechanism. It is of merit especially for producing a long fabric for the reason that the stakes hang from the weaving point and by gravity tend to remain in their normal weaving planes.

In Fig. 15 the stakes are shown as comprising cores 211 of wire over which librc or paper 212 is wrapped or wound. This is depicted to illustrate that the machine may be used either with the natural reed, so called fibre reed, or a composition of metallic core and fibre skin. \Vhen fibre reed is used I prefer the metallic center for the stakes.

The stake stop or ring 213 is detachably secured to the band 20, as shown in Fig. 1.5, as by means of machine screws 213. 11 desired the ring 213 may be adjustably secured to the band 20, whereby projecting stake ends of desired length may be provided. Such a construction is shown in Fig. 17, the ring 213 being secured by a plurality of lugs 213 (only one shown in the fragmentary View), which lugs are vertically slidable upon standards 213 (only one shown). The lug 213 obviously may be fixed against movement on the standard 213 by means of set screw 213 Secured to the ring 213 are a plurality of swivel lugs 214, between which and the ring the ends of the stakes are held fast preventing the fabric becoming detached from the band 20 during the process of weaving.

That form of my invention shown in Fig.

11, and the following figures, preferably is provided with the curved guard member 60 for the purpose of preventing any danger or possibility of long stakes becoming entangled at the point where they are acted upon by the mechanism that ejects alternate stakes to permit insertion of the filler strand.

The drive of the machine shown in Fig. 11 is through the bevelled gearing, 11 and 12. The bevelled gear, 11, in turn driving a friction wheel, 11, which in turn meshes with a friction disc, 11 carrying a gear that meshes with a gear 11, that meshes with gear 11 that is keyed to the vertical shaft, 200 (these parts are shown on the far side in Fig. 11 of the drawings). The friction wheel 11 is mounted upon a sleeve 11 that surrounds a stationary shaft 11 and upon which it rotates. The sleeve 11 is furthermore mounted in a bearing 11 for rotation. In order that the sleeve 11 may be held in different placed positions it is provided With circular ribs 11 any of which may be engaged by a latch 11. The latch 11 in turn is normally held down by means of a tension spring 11 The friction disc 11 is pressed upwardly by means of a spring 11 so that the proper driving relation of the parts is ensured. The friction wheel, 11, is arranged for movement to and from the center of the bevelled gear 11, the under surface of which forms a friction disc, and for this reason the screw shaft, 200, can be driven at any desired speed whereby the character of the weave can be altered in desired manner; for example, by driving the shaft, 200, slowly a tight or closely packed filler strand relation will be formed and by driving the screw shaft rapidly a loosely packed filler strand weave will be obtained. Furthermore by the use of this type of drive many desirable effects can be produced in weaving. It is possible to weave the so called open work with this machine. When it is desired to alternately weave closely packed filler strands and then leave an open space and again insert closely packed filler strands, I proceed in the following manner: The friction drive is set in such position that the screw, 200, will be rotated at such speed as will cause the filler strands to lie closely adjacent one another. When the open work is desired, the friction drive wheel is suddenly shifted so that the screw will be rotated at very high speed for an instant and then it is again shifted to its normal position. The result of such manipulations is that a gap or open space is provided in the fabric exposing in this zone merely the stakes. The advantages of such operation will be apparent to those skilled in the art without further reference thereto.

If desired the screw, 200, can also be operated periodically in a reverse direction by shifting the friction drive wheel, 11, to the opposite side of the friction disc, 11'.

Another Way in which open work can be produced is to operate the machine for a period to produce fabric with the filler strands in desired relation, then to stop the machine, move the formed fabric with the attached stakes away from the fabric limiting means, and thereafter again to set the machine in operation. In this manner any desired amount of open work can be produced in a simple, cheap, and effective manner.

I claim 1. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strand over and under desired warp stakes, and means for moving the fabric away from the templet as it is formed.

2. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a teinplet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strand over and under the warp stakes with enough tension to hold the fabric against the templet in self-supporting condition, and means operating progressiveiy to move the. fabric from the templet as it is formed.

3. An apparatus for w aving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a teniplet,

movable warp stake holding means pof:i-,

tioning the stakes in weaving relation to the templet, means for placing the filler strand over and under the warp stakes, and means for moving the filler strand from its inserted position toward the warp stake holding means.

at. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strand over and under desired warp stakes, means for moving the fabric away from the teinplet as it is formed, and payout mechanism for issuing desired measured lengths of filler strand.

An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strand over and under the warp stakes with sufficient tension to hold the fabric against the templet in self-support ng condition, means operating progressively to move the fabric from the templet as it is formed, and payout mechanism for issuing desired measured lengths of filler strand.

6. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet having rounded outer surfaces, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strand over and under desired warp stakes, and means for moving the fabric away from the templet as it is formed.

7 An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet having rounded outer surfaces, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the tiller strand over and under the warp stakes with sutl'lcient tension to hold the "fabric against the templet in self supporting condition, and means operating pregressively to move the fabric from the templet as it is formed.

8. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strand over and under desired warp stakes, means for moving the fabric away from the templet as it is formed and said filler strand placing means including mechanism for moving desired stakes away from their normal plane.

9. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like en'ibodying therein a templet, means for holding the stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strand over and under the warp stakes with sufficient tension to hold the fabric against the templet in self-supporting condition, and means operating progressively to move the fabric from the templet as it is :t'ormed, said filler strand placing means including mechanism for moving desired warp stakes away from their normal plane.

10. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strand over and under desired warp stakes, and means for moving the fabric away from the templet as it is formed, said filler strand placing means including mechanism for restoring to their normal planes, prior to the filler strand insertion point, any warp stakes that may have moved therefrom.

11. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a tcmplet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strand over and under the warp stakes with snfiicient tension to hold the fabric against the templet in self-supporting condition, and means operating progressively to remove the fabric fron'i the tcnr plot as it is formed, said tiller strand. placing means including mechanism for restoring to their normal planes, prior to the tiller strand insertion point, any warp stakes that may have moved therefrom.

12. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like, embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strand over and under the Warp stakes with sufficient tension to hold the fabric against the templet in self supporting condition, and means operating progressively to move the fabric from the templet as it is formed, said filler strand placing means including mechanism for restoring to their normal planes, prior to the filler strand insertion point, Warp stakes which may have moved therefrom accidentally, and mechanism for moving desired Warp stakes away from their normal plane.

13. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in Weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strand over and under desired Warp stakes, means for moving the fabric away from the templet as it is formed, said filler strand placing means including mechanism for restoring to their normal planes, prior to the filler strand insertion point, warp stakes which may have moved therefrom accidentally, mechanism for moving desired warp stakes away from their normal planes, and mechanism engaging the templet and being operated thereby.

14. An apparatus for Weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the tiller strand over and under the Warp stakes with enough tension to hold the fabric against the templet in self-supporting condition, means operating progressively to move the fabric from the templet as it is formed, said filler strand placing means including mechanism for restoring to their normal planes, in advance of the filler strand insertion point, warp stakes which may have moved therefrom accidentally, mechanism for moving desired warp stakes away from their normal plane, and mechanism engaging the templet and being operated thereby.

15. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strand over and under desired warp stakes, means for moving the fabric away from the templet as it is formed, said filler strand placing means including mechanism for restoring to their normal planes, in advance of the filler strand insertion point, warp stakes which may have moved therefrom accidentally, mechanism for moving desired stakes from their normal planes, and mechanism engaging the templet and being operated thereby.

16. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strand over and under the warp stakes with enough tension to hold the fabric against the templet in self supporting condition, and means operating progressively to move the fabric from the templet as it is formed, said filler strand placing means including mechanism for restoring to their normal planes warp stakes which may have moved therefrom accidentally, mechanism for moving desird warp stakes away from their normal plane, and mechanism engaging the templet and being operated thereby.

17. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relatio:v thereto, means for placing the tiller strand over and under desired warp stakes, means for moving the fabric away from the templet as it is formed, said fabric moving means comprising a toothed wheel angularly disposed with respect to the warp stakes, and means for adjustin the vertical an ular position of the toothec wheel.

18. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strand over and under desired warp stakes, means for moving the fabric away from the templet as it is formed, said fabric moving means comprising a toothed wheel angularly disposed with respect to the warp. stakes, and means for adjusting the horizontal angular position of the wheel.

19. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strand over and under desired warp stakes, means for moving the fabric away from the templet as it is formed, said fabric moving means comprising a toothed wheel angularly disposed with respect to the warp stakes, and means adjustably mounting the toothed wheel for movement to or from the templet.

20. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet,

means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, ieans for placing the filler strand over andunder desired stakes, means for moving the fabric away from the templet as it is formed, said fabric moving means comprising a toothed wheel angularly disposed with respect to the warp stakes, and means for adjusting the vertical and horizontal angular positions of the toothed wheel.

2].. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for ejecting from their normal planes desired warp stakes, means for guiding and controlling the Warp stakes when ejected, means for inserting the tiller strand, and means for moving the completed fabrie away from the templet,

22. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for ejecting desired warp stakes from their normal planes, means removably holding the warp stakes in red alignment with their positions in the p stake holding means, means for in 'ting the tiller strand, and means for movthe completed fabric away from the templet.

An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templct, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for ejecting desired warp stakes from their normal planes, means rcmovahly holding the warp stakes in desired alignment with their position in warp stake holding means, means for holding the warp stakes in proper spaced relation when ejected from said removable holding means, means for inserting the filler strand, and means for moving the completed fabric away from the templet.

24-. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means having a plurality of grooves in alignment with the warp stake holding elements of the warp stake holding means, means for actuating desired warp stakes to eject them from said grooves, means for holding the ejected warp stakes in ejected position for a period suri'icient to permit placement of the filler strand, means for inserting the filler strand, and means for moving the completed fabric away from the templet.

25. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means having an plnrality of grooves in alignment with the warp stake holding elements of the warp stake holding means, means for actuating the desired stakes to eject them from said grooves, means for holding the warp ejected stake. in ejected position for a period set wient to permit placement of the filler strand, means for inserting a filler strand, means for holding the ejected warp stakes in alignment with said grooves when in ejected position, means for returning said ejected warp stakes to their proper grooves after the insertion of the filler strand, and means for moving the completed fabric away from the templet.

26. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like emhodyin therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for ejecting desired warp stakes from their normal planes, means for holding the ejected warp stakes in ejected position for the desired period, means for inserting the filler strand while the stakes are ejected, means preventing undue filler strand inserting means, and means for moving the completed fabric away from the templet.

27. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like, embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strand over and under desired warp stakes, means for moving the fabric and warp stake holding means away from the templet as the fabric is formed, and means for guiding the warp stake-holding means as it moves.

28. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strand over and under desired warp stakes, and means for moving fabric and warp stake-holding means upwardly away from the templet as the fabric is formed.

29. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strand over and under desired warp stakes, screw means for moving the warp stake-holding means upwardly as the fabric is formed, means for driving the templet,,

and means for synchronously driving the warp stake-holding means as it moves upwardly away from the templet.

30. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like, embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strands over and under desired warp stakes, means for driving the templet and warp stake holding means synchronously, and means for moving the warp stake holding means away from the templet as the fabric is formed, said means including a feed screw and a nut engaging the screw and supporting the warp stake-holding means.

31. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strands over and under desired warp stakes, means for driving the templet and warp stake holding means synchronously, means for moving the warp stake holding meansaway from the templet as the fabric is formed, said means including a feed screw and a split nut engaging the screw and supporting the warp stake holding means,

and operating mechanism whereby the segments of the split nut may be moved to and from engagement with the feed screw.

32. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a gearlike templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means actuated by the gear-like templet for placing the filler strand into desired relation to the pre-formed fabric and for progressively moving the fabric from the templet, and pay-out mechanism for issuing desired measured lengths of filler strand.

33. An apparatus for weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weavin relation thereto, means for inserting th filler strand over and under desired warp stakes, a guard arranged at a position preceding the filler strand inserting means and operating to insure the proper positioning of the warp stakes as they approach the filler strand inserting mechanism.

34. An apparatus for Weaving reed fabric and the like embodying therein a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for inserting the filler strand over and under desired warp stakes, a guard positioned adjacent the filler strand inserting position and operating to prevent the outwardly ejected warp stakes from undue outward movement.

35. Means for producing open work weaving of woven reed and the like comprising in combination a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strand over and under desired stakes, means for moving the fabric away from the templet as it is formed, said means including mechanism for moving the fabric away from the templet at any desired speed to the end that the character of the weave may be varied.

36. Means for producing open work weaving of woven reed and the like comprising in combination a templet, means for holding the warp stakes in weaving relation thereto, means for placing the filler strand over and under desired warp stakes, means for moving the fabric away from the templet as it is formed, said means includingmechanism for changing the speed of movement of the fabric away from the templet.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this 26th day of April, 1922.

MARSHALL B. LLOYD. 

